In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that holders of standard car licenses can now legally operate transport vehicles weighing up to 7,500 kg, such as mini-buses and light trucks, without the need for a special badge. This decision, delivered by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, is expected to provide significant relief to commercial drivers operating smaller transport vehicles for work purposes.
Previously, there were concerns about insurance companies refusing compensation in accidents involving transport vehicles driven by holders of Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licenses, citing the lack of a badge as a reason for denial. In addressing this issue, the Supreme Court confirmed an earlier 2017 ruling from the Mukund Dewangan case, affirming that LMV license holders should be permitted to drive transport vehicles under 7,500 kg without additional endorsements. The court noted that there was no evidence suggesting that LMV license holders are more prone to causing accidents while driving transport vehicles.
This new rule clarifies that insurance claims cannot be denied based on the license type of the driver if they are operating within the permissible weight limit. However, vehicles over 7,500 kg, specifically medium and heavy goods-passenger vehicles, still require a special badge. Additionally, no special licenses are required for operating e-rickshaws, e-carts, or vehicles that transport hazardous materials. This ruling, authored by Justice Hrishikesh Roy, eliminates unnecessary licensing distinctions between private and commercial vehicles for vehicles up to 7,500 kg, simplifying requirements and expanding opportunities for licensed drivers in the transport sector.
